“It is essential that all Department of the Navy personnel adhere to the highest
standards of integrity and ethical conduct. The American people put their trust
in us and none of us can betray that trust.” View
ALNAV 013/07
to see the full statement from the Secretary of the Navy.

Bedrock Standards

Ethical behavior is rooted in the Department of the Navy Core Values. For
example, “I will conduct myself in the highest ethical manner in relationships
with seniors, peers, and subordinates.” Read the full
Core Values
Charter for more.

In 1990, President George Bush issued the 14 Principles of Ethical Conduct "in
order to establish fair and exacting standards of ethical conduct for all
executive branch employees” in Executive Order 12674, as amended by
EO 12731.

The Department of the
Navy Code of Ethics implements the 14 Principles of Ethical Conduct through
clear direction in the form of “DOs” and “DON’Ts.”